The Clock Strikes Sadness

The clock at the station strikes me sad
stuck at midnight or noon.
Its hands won’t tell which twelve.
But that’s not what strikes me sad,
not even the way you got off the train,
met me a block away
and seemed like you wanted to leave
the first second you set eyes on me.
You stood tall and dark and fidgety.
I couldn’t change your mind to make you stay.
And years later we are married
and you barely remember that autumn eve.
But not even that strikes me sad.
It’s the clock that stops when 
someone leaves.

April 8, 2017
for Open Poetry Contest 2
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Mark Avatar
April 18, 2017 at 5:39 AM
Great little write Rita, I see what Charlotte saw, the simple yet effective way time is used, ...well done ..Ian
Simmonds Avatar
April 18, 2017 at 7:14 AM
Thank you, Ian!
Poteet Avatar
April 17, 2017 at 6:59 PM
Hope this is a true story, it is so real and alive. Well-done, Rita. Congrats on your placement.
Simmonds Avatar
April 17, 2017 at 8:37 PM
Thank you!
Richards Avatar
April 17, 2017 at 1:04 PM
This might be my favorite from the contest! Truly an excellent poem by you Rita! It is an honor to be next in line !! Well deserved!!
Simmonds Avatar
April 17, 2017 at 8:41 PM
Thank you, Carrie!
Puddifoot Avatar
April 17, 2017 at 6:21 AM
rita, consistent quality writing from you, and i loved this one from first reading - it was vying for second place! flawlessly rendered, poignant, and that last line really strikes at the heart, gives me shivers every time i read it! i also liked the way you chose to use the word 'second' in the 8th line, carrying the clock/time theme through nicely...congrats on your win in my contest!
Simmonds Avatar
April 17, 2017 at 8:43 PM
Thank you, Charlotte! I really appreciate your kind attention to poetry...
Vaso Avatar
April 8, 2017 at 9:24 PM
I really liked this poem!
Simmonds Avatar
April 9, 2017 at 6:08 PM
Thank you, Arthur!
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